Statement on House of Representatives Disapproval of United States Assistance for the Nicaraguan Democratic Resistance

April 24, 1985
I am deeply disappointed by the House defeat of the bipartisan consensus reached yesterday in the
Senate. This kind of action damages national security and foreign policy goals.

Today's votes in the House are not the final actions on this issue. The House of Representatives
should reverse its mistake and develop a responsible approach that assists those fighting for
democracy and freedom in Central America.

Notwithstanding today's votes, I intend to return to the Congress again and again to seek a policy
that supports peace and democracy in Nicaragua. The United States will continue to work for
these goals.

Our friends in Central America look to us for help against totalitarianism. We must continue to
support the fight for freedom in Nicaragua.